This journey traces lands that have been occupied for more than 4000 years, which today simply brim with historical sites, scenic splendours and vibrant cultures. From Tehran we venture deep into the Alborz Mountains, home to the famous 'Assassins Castles' and continue via the village of Masuleh. We skirt the Caspian Sea and Lake Orumiyeh to Kandovan and Tabriz. Our journey then crosses into Armenia which was once one of the most powerful empires in Asia wielding control from the Caspian to the Mediterranean seas. We travel through the mountains passing by old churches, extinct volcanoes, deep canyons and the wine growing region of Areni enroute to the spectacular Mount Ararat. Lake Sevan, Garni Pagan Temple, Geghard Cave Monastery and the holy city of Echmiadzin fill our days before continuing to Georgia, where we explore Tbilisi, Mtskheta and Vardzia. In Eastern Turkey we discover biblical lands of ancient palaces, great mosques and cities with long and chequered histories. We then venture to spectacular Cappadocia to enjoy the rock hewn formations and onward to Istanbul where our journey is complete.